Customer Reviews

The Student from Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster

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The Student From Zombie Island by Michael J. Moorehead

This book is absolutely adorable. The illustrations are wonderful and really make the story come to life for readers. The story is so funny my grandson could not stop laughing.

The story teaches kids what can happen when rumors start. It's hard enough being a new kid at school, but even harder when kids have preconceived ideas of who you are.

I would recommend this book to not only kids and adults but it would be great in the classroom for story time.

It is hard to believe the author is so young himself. Michael,you have really hit the nail on the head in this book. Excellent job and I am sure you will one day be a bestselling author.

Sandra Heptinstall

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

This book talks about a boy who is afraid of the new kid that is coming to school. His called Bust them up Bill. With a name like that one can only assume that he is a menace to society. Thus the rumors start and all the students spend their time telling tales of his wickedness, while they themselves and those who listen grow afraid of the new kid. Mind you, they have never seen the boy, still their gossip continues to plague the school grounds while they grow wary of the day he will start school.

This is a great and easy read, witty at moments and very well written. It was a pleasure for me the adult and kept my grandkids glued to the pages. Beautiful bright colors and well-drawn pictures are present on each page. I wouldn't be surprise if this book becomes a favorite of many children and their parents. It gives a great opportunity to teach our children that gossip isn't good. Also that they need to meet people and let them prove themselves before they say anything about them.

Anna del C. Dye

Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"

[...]

A new kid in school becomes the subject of many rumors. The author shows how a rumor starts and how it can take on new details that blow it out of proportion. The story moves along as readers see the many interesting facets that happen when people talk about other people. Adults in office situations should learn from this book because so often rumors are untrue. The author shows how damaging they can become.

Gary Roen, Syndicated Book Reviewer

Have you ever listened to mean, vicious rumors about someone else? Or maybe even had them told about you? The day after winter break is over, a new student is supposed to join the class. His name is "Bust `em Up Bill." One person says that he comes from Zombie Island and is six feet tall. Another has heard that he drives a monster truck and parks it by crushing cars. Others suggest that he has a laser gun stolen from the CIA to zap other kids into yellow liquid, he mistreats the teachers, he crunches light bulbs instead of numbers in math class, and he brings real bees to the spelling bee,along with other horrible things. Will the class survive?

Author Michael J. Moorehead was only seven years old when he wrote this book to convey, in a humorous and captivating way, the subtle yet important message about the dangers of spreading rumors. He dedicated the book to Ms. Lujan, his second grade teacher, for inspiring him to write. The fantastic illustrations, rendered in mixed media with colored pencil, chalk, and ink pens, were done by Kathy Parks who was content being a mother and amateur athlete until she discovered a new career as an illustrator. Kids will enjoy The Student from Zombie Island, listen to what it says, and learn from it. The book won the Reader Views 2008 Reviewers Choice Award and, in my estimation, certainly deserves it.

Bust 'em up Bill's transfer to a new school has caused a great amount of uproar among the students in whose class he will be a part. The students create rumors about him based on his name. The author of this book is a junior high school student in Phoenix, Arizona. His insight into the problem of gossip is incredible. Many young people would accept rumor as fact but it is clear that the author understands what the implications might be and how they can hurt a newcomer. The book creates a great deal of imagery for the reader. It is illustrated in a creative and captivating manner. I would recommend this book to parents who have children who engage in spreading rumors or whose children tend to accept rumors as truth. I would also recommend this book to teachers who would like to set a climate of truth in their classroom or who find it necessary to deal with this issue in class.

Kathy Park's illustrations pop off the pages of "The Student from Zombie Island and tickle your funny bone! While children laugh themselves silly at the book's original humor -- only a child author like Michael Moorehead can really relate to what makes his peers laugh -- adults love the subliminal message it teaches about not spreading false rumors.

Bust `em Up Bill is starting his first day at a new school in the middle of the school year, setting the stage for outrageous rumors to circulate about him before he even sets foot in the classroom. They say his breath is so bad, it will singe your face if you get too close, and if he burps near you, it might even set your hair on fire! Everyone knows he must be a frightening, horrible, rotten monster! Could it be true? With a name like his, why wouldn't it be? You'll have to read it to find out!

The "Student From Zombie Island" is the perfect book for gift-giving!

here's a new student coming to class and no one is looking forward to it. The kids have been told he's called Bust `Em Up Bill, but they aren't sure why. Rumors fly as they try to decide what Bust `Em Up Bill will be like.

Each student has their own idea of how Bill must have gotten his name. Suzy Frederick is sure he's six feet tall and set kids hair on fire with his horrible breath. Penny Jinx thinks he must torture kids on the playground and make them swing from the monkey bars - by the tails. T.J. McGravy says Bill doesn't exercise in gym class, but makes kids run around the track 5,000 times - sideways. Who to believe? How bad will Bust `Em Up Bill be?

The Student From Zombie Island was written by Michael J. Moorhead when he was just seven years old. The book teaches children the danger of believing rumors and reminds readers that rumors can easily grow out of control and be far from the truth. It's a funny book - well written and includes adorable illustrations by Kathy Parks.

I enjoyed this book, as did my children. My daughter will be starting kindergarten in the fall, so this book came at a perfect time. It helped open up discussion about rumors and how to treat new kids at school and is written in such a way that it made it a fun topic to talk about instead of feeling threatening.